Chief State’s Attorney’s Meeting
Minutes of the Meeting of August 26, 2013
Office of the Chief State’s Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The meeting was called to order at 12:52 p.m. by Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.
In attendance were: State’s Attorneys Michael Dearington (New Haven); Patricia M. Froehlich (Windham); Matthew C. Gedansky (Tolland); Gail P. Hardy (Hartford); Peter A. McShane (Middlesex); Maureen Platt (Waterbury); Brian Preleski (New Britain); Michael L. Regan (New London); Stephen J. Sedensky III (Danbury); David Shepack (Litchfield) and John C. Smriga (Fairfield); Deputy Chief State’s Attorneys Leonard C. Boyle and John J. Russotto; and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney James Bernardi (Stamford-Norwalk).
Also present: Executive Assistant State’s Attorneys Brian Austin, Jr., and Michael A. Gailor, Division of Criminal Justice Communications and Legislative Specialist Mark A. Dupuis and legislative liaison Wilfred Blanchette.
State’s Attorney Froehlich made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2013, meeting. The motion was seconded by State’s Attorney Sedensky and approved without opposition.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane introduced guests Guy M. Vallaro, Director of the Division of Scientific Services, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP); Robert K. O’Brien, Deputy Director of Identification; and Forensic Science Examiner 3 Dr. Carll Ladd and Lucinda Lopes-Phelan, who presented an update on the current situation at the DESPP Forensic Science Laboratory.
There was discussion of the need to test samples in approximately 1,400 cases. It was decided that the laboratory will not conduct tests on the samples until they have been instructed by the State’s Attorney to do so. Samples from any evidence not tested are stored indefinitely should the need for testing arise in the future.
Arrangements have been made for testimony in cases where samples have been sent to private laboratories for analysis. Measures are in place to prevent a recurrence of the concerns associated with the backlog in cases.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the training line item in the 2013-14 budget was reduced to $51,000. State’s Attorneys are asked to carefully scrutinize all requests for training.
Chief State’s Attorney Kane reported that the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Ala., provides training at no cost to the state. The goal is to have one person from each Judicial District receive the training.
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Russotto reported that the next step in the development of the case management system will involve review and updating of business processes and procedures. Meetings with appropriate Division staff are scheduled for September 2013.
The State’s Attorneys are asked to pay close attention to the proper completion of tracking forms utilized in the hiring process.
Information was distributed from the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut concerning federal crimes involving homicide.
State’s Attorney Shepack reported that the Operations Committee is continuing its review of the issues raised in the Brady/Giglio/Adams cases.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.